170 mph Insignia Released

Buick fans need to start lobbying their dealers and the brand's management team as here in the UK for a mere $400 extra the 155 mph speed restrictor can be removed to unleash the car's full potential.

Taking a page from the legendary Lotus Carlton's book, the latest Insignia VXR turns up the heat still further with the launch of a de-restricted package, allowing the car to achieve 170 mph (wagon and hatch models with a manual gear box).

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Known as `Unlimited' option, it removes the `regular' Insignia VXR's 155 mph restrictor, allowing the range-topper to exploit its all-wheel-drive chassis dynamics to the full.

Available with either manual or auto transmissions, and in Hatch, Wagon and Sports Tourer body styles, a car fitted with the Unlimited option is distinguished by a blue Brembo logo on its front brake callipers and a newly-designed tachometer and speedometer, showing higher increments.

Producing 320 bhp, the VXR's turbocharged 2.8-liter V-6 engine allows the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds for the manual Hatch, a time which is unchanged with the Unlimited option.

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With this renewed performance potential, owners can gain even more reassurance from the VXR's innovative Adaptive 4×4 system, which provides optimum traction in all conditions. The system uses a sport differential with a Haldex multi-disc clutch as well as electronic center and rear limited slip differentials (eLSD), and is complemented by Vauxhall's FlexRide chassis, which allows drivers to choose between three dynamic setups: standard, Sport and VXR.

To ensure that Insignias fitted with the Unlimited option were safe, durable and entertaining to drive, prototype vehicles underwent extensive testing at the gruelling Nürburgring's Nordschleife (north loop), where 6000 validation miles were accrued. The test program is rated at `factor 18', which corresponds to 112,000 miles on normal roads.